Thoughts on "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey

This classic novel tells the story of a mental institution, the men who occupy it, and the nurse who rules over it.
Spoiler at 16:20.
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[@andydragonfisher6900]

I teach this text to 16-18 year old pupils in my school in the UK. I think it is a difficult book but it’s worth the struggle in my opinion. The choice of an unreliable first person narrator frees Kesey to write about the Combine using rich imagery because his reality is non-consensual (‘it’s true, even if it didn’t happen’). The racism and misogyny is uncomfortable for a modern reader but, as you say, it’s a product of its time and is suited to the setting - McMurphy is an absurdist antihero - someone with whom we can empathise but we don’t condone his attitude. It’s worth bearing in mind that Kesey drafted the novel while working the night shift in a mental institution and experimenting with mind-altering drugs so that contributes to the impenetrable nature of the prose at times. We could argue that it is mimetic - in other words when we struggle to make sense of the text, we have a direct experience of ‘the fog’ and the confusion and pain of trying to make sense of the world which is the Chief’s reality.

[@terminald7064]

HELLLO Nurse.

[@jcrocks6698]

The two dents are from pulling a baby out with forceps. This was common before more people had c-sections, and I know someone with an intellectual disability because of a lack of oxygen and then the doctor too forcefully using forceps at birth. He is about 50.

[@ShannonsChannel]

I agree with so much of this. This is one of the few times where I feel the movie is better than the book. Well done (I know how hard it is making a video with a demanding cat around!)

[@maizen1335]

I really liked the writing style, like yeah it's not formal English, but it makes sense for the character and gives him a distinct voice, and I didn't find it that hard to read after taking a second to get used to it It's definitely a product of it's time, like how one of the guys is in there just for being gay, but the book takes place in real world American 1950's and that's what things were like back then, it'd be an injustice to pretend like those things never happened imo In terms of the delusions, they're clearly not real, but I think they have basis in reality, the "fog machine" being brain fog brought on by anaesthetics to calm him down/knock him out, that kind of thing, they're his interpretations of what's happening around him. I think the Bromden pov actually adds a lot to the story that you just don't get in other mediums, like his entire arc from passive observer to active character as he gets to know McMurphy

[@advancedraymondology2914]

I just finished rereading it yesterday. I had a few pages left when I got off the bus and I had to just stand there on the busy corner, finishing it. I've read it a few times in the past but, I don't know, it never hit me as hard as this time. It seems to be speaking about everything going on now, with the demonizing of men and masculinity. It knocked me on my ass. I can't stop thinking about it. So good.

[@MarcosBiga]

Uff, you went for the nurse, nice. I enjoy this channel so much, is such a fresh window to someone's mind and your reviews are so nice to hear. Although I haven't read all the same books, this one I did when I was 12. Will save this to hear later. Thanks!

[@MarcosBiga]

I did! And I like your review, I also needed to rewatch the movie once finished, but this was when I read it on English, as I am from Argentina and the first read was on Spanish, which is great because it was easier at the time. I believe Kesey was on a mental institution before writing this, so the racist comments, the hatefully personalization of the nurse, this was all his critique to the health system. The music, the music of the institution, heard at first by Murphy, the patients didn't heard this anymore, they got used to it, I don't know why but I always remembered that part of the book, like how one conforms to certain things in life, I don't know what I am scrambling about, thanks!!

[@ShaneBradfordTV]

Look up the story of why Ken Kasey wrote it and the LSD testing he went threw

[@KenMasters.]

If I could: I would faithfully and flexibly adapt this book into a next-gen Telltale-game where players take different sides of the 4-seasoned story-modes of either Bromden, McMurphy, or the DLC unlockable Ratched. (Nice portrayal of the Big Nurse, BTW)

[@Roarshack-X34]

Just the thought of your idea coming to fruition got me very excited!

[@matthew3774]

Should have told the cat to SIT DOWN like Ratched shouts at Cheswick! This was a really good review though. I also loved the bit where Chief had a nightmare that there was a slaughterhouse underneath the hospital and the floor would drop out while they were sleeping and take them all down there, and the reason they drugged everyone is so they wouldn't wake up whilst all this is happening. Thought that was seriously disturbing.

[@morbiddiathesis4428]

I adore your physical portrayal of Nurse Ratched in this video. I found your channel a few days ago when i was searching for a review of "100 Years of Solitude". Suffice it to say, I hit the subscribe button immediately.

[@ceciliasterling7448]

Your cat reminds me of McMurphy: vibrant, wild and violent 😆

[@milbreykiser]

I am reading this book in class and i am trying to figure out the theme, does anyone might know what it would be?

[@jcrocks6698]

Submission vs. Defiance and Conformity vs. Individuality

[@nataliezementbeisser1492]

Not the insane people are insane. The society is insane that makes people insane.

[@aceofbooks7242]

I subscribed as soon as I saw the cat. Cats & books... classic combo

[@25nomind]

Ken Kesey’s language is a bit harsh, not a huge fan either. It has a talky quality which is jarring on the page and you’re right that font is horrible. I enjoy the book at a symbolic level about individuality dealing with an oppressive system but I feel somewhat negative about how it depicts mental illness and institutions. I felt it romanticizes mental illness and demonizes mental health professionals. It’s a little too black and white for me, I prefer a more nuanced and less generalized view. The best stuff is Bromden’s occasional insights some of which you talked about and some of the nightmarish delusions are really scary/oppressive. I do think most of it was delusions. The depiction of Nurse Ratched was way too over the top for me. It’s one of the few times I prefer the movie over the book. Thematically the story reminds me of a quote from Rainer Maria Rilke. He was writing about why he rejected the idea of getting into psychotherapy: “If my devils are to leave me, I am afraid my angels will take flight as well.” Lobotomy is a great and extreme example of just that happening. Good Luck with your goal of 52 books and also the Office!!!

[@SaoirsesShelf]

Shashank Singh this is such a great response! I had a hard time articulating how I felt about it, especially because I hate to give negative opinions because I believe every author must have a reason for the way they write. But you really captured some of my feelings with your comment. I appreciate the input.

[@25nomind]

@@SaoirsesShelf Thanks! Glad it was useful. I really enjoyed your review. I always find it harder to analyze/articulate my ambivalent feelings as well…..with this book I’ve had 20 years to think about it….so I might sound smarter then I actually am lol.

[@ryan72232]

Saoirse’s Shelf your outfit looks awesome loved the film just started reading the book :)

[@nataelgarcia3722]

In the talk of demonizing mental health workers, you should check out the fairview training center of salem oregon (the same town where cukoos nest was filmed) a real life of example of bad mental health organizations

[@25nomind]

@Randy White thanks for the respect :)

[@nataliezementbeisser1492]

You are so beautiful, jesus almighty god!

[@baronmunchausen9252]

Feline saboteur.